Arthur Pendragon, King of Camelot, smiled. These next two days were one of those rare times that he got to spend with his wife without any interruptions. There were no councils to attend, training sessions were being led by Sir Leon, and anything else could wait. Admittedly, these next two days weren't all going to be fun and games considering what date it was, but he could still enjoy spending some quality time with his wife. He would need her to help him get through this evening and tomorrow anyway, and no doubt she would need him, considering the date. It was one year since the battle at Camlann, and so it was one year since his father had died. He wondered if Alethea knew that it was one year, but she probably did. She had a very good memory for dates and so she wouldn't have forgotten. Getting up, he gently nudged his wife awake before getting ready for the day.

"What time is it?" she mumbled into the pillow.

"Time you got up."

"Why?"

"Because I've got a surprise for you." She sat up instantly at that.

"A surprise?"

"Yes."

"What is it?"

"If I told you then it wouldn't be a surprise now, would it?"

"Do I not get a clue?" she looked at him with those wide eyes of hers, and Arthur felt himself beginning to give in.

"No."

"Aww..." she sulked as she got up and got dressed. Struggling with the fastening at the back, she was going to ask her husband for help but his hands were already tying the laces at the back.

"Well, perhaps I can give you just this one clue. Birds."

"Birds?"

"You'll see." He said, turning her around to face him and taking her hand in his.

"Will I now?" Arthur simply smirked as he led her away from the room and out of the castle.

As they walked past the stables, Alethea's face held an expression of bemusement and confusion, and her brow furrowed as he led her past the kennels. Arthur was taking her to the place where the hunting birds were kept with the intention of cheering her up and treating her. He doubted that she knew of this place. His father hadn't really cared for the art of falconry but the blonde Pendragon had developed an interest after a few visiting noblewomen took him on a trip. He hadn't had a chance to have a go at hunting with birds for a while and in truth he had all but forgotten about it until Alethea had mentioned getting a bird in reward for Tristan. The young man was already training as a squire and so Arthur was going to let his Queen choose the bird.

"Falcons?"

"You mentioned birds for rewarding Tristan so I thought I'd leave the choice to you."

"Oh... Right." She smiled before beginning to look in the different compartments. There were all sorts of birds of prey there, but there was one that caught her eye in particular. A small falcon. "Merlin! We should get him a Merlin." She smiled.

"He is not having my servant! Useless as he maybe, he is still..."

"No, a Merlin. A bird. Not the Merlin." She explained. Arthur felt slightly stupid then.

"Oh, erm... Alright then. And what about you? Any birds that take your fancy?"

"Me?" Arthur nodded. "Erm..." she seemed surprised as she looked around but she soon smiled widely as her eyes settled on one particular bird. "That one."

"A barn owl? Are you sure? Because they aren't exactly..."

"I'm positive. Besides, Penny can have a flying partner."

"Fair enough."

"But, I do like that pereguine falcon over there too."

"You know about birds?"

"It's an interest." She shrugged.

"I never knew that."

"You never asked." She smiled. "But just those two."

"You are sure?"

"Positive." Arthur grinned, leaving his wife to admire the various hunting birds whilst he went to talk to the falconer. Paying the man for the birds, the young King then returned to his wife's side and took her hand. Taking her back towards the market square, Arthur moved towards the market. Today was market day and so he knew it was the perfect distraction.

"Want a look?" he offered but they were there at the stalls before she could even answer. Arthur knew exactly what he was doing today, specifically this morning. He didn't even want to think about the evening. After all, there were formalities that needed covering and he wasn't sure if he could get through them. Anyway, that wasn't for another few hours yet. Wondering whether Alethea knew what he was up to, he led her towards one of the stalls selling the more unique and expensive items and offered to buy her whatever she liked.

It was only once she had been bought some expensive jewellery and a silk scarf that she realised. Arthur was all for buying her even more, but she stopped him.

"I know what you're trying to do." She stated simply. "And as much as I like the fact you want to treat me, and distract me, I'm afraid it isn't working. I know exactly what tomorrow is. Tonight kind of gives it away."

"Oh... Right..."

"But thank you." She said, pecking him on the cheek. Arthur smiled, before letting his wife lead the way.


That evening there was a feast to commemorate all those that had fallen at the Battle of Camlann, but there were no real festivities. In truth, it was a rather solemn affair with toasts being raised to fallen comrades, and few speeches were made. Somehow Arthur managed to keep himself together for his speech, but he had no recollection of what he'd said or how he had done it. All he knew was that Alethea had stood by his side all evening, giving him the strength he needed, and also supporting him. He knew that she was probably feeling just as he did because she still felt that she was responsible for Uther's death, regardless of what Arthur said, and so she needed him as much as he needed her. Thankfully, both were there for each other and only when it became too much for them did they retire to their chambers.


Late that morning the two monarchs could be found leaving the busy citadel that was Camelot in favour of the calm serene forest. Riding on horseback, both were going to remember last year's events in their own small way. As they rode, Arthur could not help but think back to that day of the battle where he and his father had said their last words to each other. He could remember the horror and the feeling of utter helplessness as Eowyn had attacked his wife and got his father instead. The grief he had felt when he was orphaned and then became King. Now that he had lost his guide he felt very alone. It hadn't mattered that he still had Alethea, Merlin and his men. All he had wanted was his father back, and he still did, more than anything in the world, but he knew it wasn't possible. His father was dead and no amount of wishing would bring him back. Not even Merlin, supposedly the greatest and most powerful magician to have ever lived, could bring him back. It had hurt when he had found that out, and it still did even now. One year on, and it still felt like he had lost him yesterday.

It didn't take too long for them to reach Uther's monument at the top of the valley. Though the oak tree had only been planted less than a year ago, with Merlin's talent it was now tall, standing regal and majestic overlooking the kingdom. Uther's heir smiled sadly as he dismounted, looking at the stone plaque which had been carved to explain the tree's significance. Letting Alethea gather some wild flowers, Arthur knelt by the oak where he had scattered some of his father's ashes and closed his eyes. He would often ride here when he had important decisions to make or even if he just needed some time away from Camelot, as he felt closer to his father here. He couldn't explain why, he just did.

Together they knelt silently, both thinking back to that fateful day twelve months ago. Arthur could see the guilt that was clearly evident in Alethea's eyes and knew exactly what she was thinking. She may not have said it, but it was obvious that she still felt that it should be her buried and not his father. After all, Uther had been the one to sacrifice himself to save her. And Arthur also knew that she still felt guilty for nearly abandoning him when she had come down with that illness after all the promises that she had made that she would stay no matter what. She had returned to him though, and that was all that mattered. Lord knew that he had no idea what he would have done if he had lost both of them. But if he could turn back time, Arthur knew that it would have been his life that would have been lost. He would rather have had the three people that mattered most to him alive and well, and die in the knowledge that they were safe, than live without one and risk losing the other two. Alright, his wife couldn't help coming down ill, but there were times when he could tell that she was thinking of possibly returning home. She would never admit it, but it was always clear in her eyes. As for Merlin... Well, his dearest friend (not that he'd ever tell the warlock that) was about to go off and get married to Lady Ingrid de Ravenscar. He had absolutely no idea whether they were going to stay in Camelot or not when they got married, but even if they did stay, he wouldn't see as much of him. Even though he was his servant... And that was another thing. Merlin couldn't possibly remain a servant if he was to marry Ingrid. It just wouldn't do, and so Arthur would have to find a way to rectify that.

It was about an hour or so later that they moved. It was mid afternoon and a cool breeze was blowing. Arthur knew that it was about time that they were moving, especially considering there was something else that he wanted, no, needed to do. He had to prove it to himself more than anything else that he could do it. Leading his horse on, he sped past the trees whose leaves were steadily changing from green to red and gold, and soon came out at one field. Alethea, who had been riding behind him, came to a halt and the breath instantly caught in her throat as she recognised it.

"Camlann." She whispered quietly, the blood instantly draining from her face.

"I need to do this." He told her simply before dismounting. She just nodded, but didn't move. She was petrified with fear and the memories that were returning to her. Arthur left her there.

Walking across the battlefield, he had to allow himself a slight smile as he realised that nothing had grown there for the past year. It was almost as if the earth had been salted but he knew that wasn't the case. There was still the vaguely familiar tang of magic in the air and it was clearly evident that something major had occurred here. Taking a deep breath, Arthur carried on, determined not to let his emotions get the better of him. It was proving to be impossible though, as with every step he took the more vivid the memories became, until he reached that one particular spot. It wasn't marked, but Arthur knew that this was the place that his father had lost his life. His knees buckled then as his father's death replayed in his mind and it all became too much. Like a small child, Arthur sobbed.

It wasn't long before Alethea was by his side, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder and her eyes filled with understanding. He instantly turned into her and cried on her shoulder as she held him. She didn't say anything for she certainly didn't need any words, and she cradled him whilst her own tears fell silently. She knew what it was like to lose a parent, for she had lost both by choosing to stay in Camelot forever. Yet it was only after her illness that she had realised that she would never see them again. She had felt guilty for leaving them both but that had been at fate's hand. She had no way to return home, but then again, even if she did, she had made a home here. She wouldn't change anything for the world, except for Uther's death.

It was a while later when Arthur finally dried his eyes. His tears had fallen like an endless downpour of rain up until then, but now he had no more left. Smiling weakly at his wife, he slowly got his feet before heading back to his horse. He needed to be on his own for a bit now to clear his head and he desperately needed to get away from the battlefield. Alethea followed him, and he knew that he had to go without her. He didn't mean to hurt her, but he needed to get away from her. Mounting up, he instantly galloped away.

"Arthur?" she called as she rode after him, but it was no good. The young King was too fast for her and already had the upper hand. It didn't take long to lose him. "Arthur!" she shouted at the top of her voice, but the blonde Pendragon paid her no attention. As guilty as he felt for leaving her, he really needed this time to himself right now.

Finally arriving in a small secluded clearing in the forest, Arthur dismounted and tethered his horse before sitting on a fallen log. The wind was really cold now and he instantly set to making a small fire to warm himself. He then stared at the flames, hypnotised by the way that they flickered and danced as he thought about his life and how many things had changed in the space of a year. He had buried his father, inherited a kingdom and had been happily married for more than that. His troubles had increased in seriousness and his shoulders had felt more burdened as he no longer had anyone to turn to for guidance. No one else could ever understand what it was like to be a king of such a great kingdom. No one else was in his position with such a large kingdom to rule at a young age. It was a very hard thing to do.

It was twilight when he heard his name being called again. It wasn't his wife this time though. Instead there seemed to be a group of men, mainly the knights of Camelot. Her voice was mixed in there somewhere, but it was being drowned out. Sighing, he thought about kicking out the fire and was just about to do that when someone stumbled into the clearing. Turning abruptly with his sword drawn, he very nearly ended up killing Merlin. The warlock only just managed to dive out of the way in time and stared at his friend in shock.

"Arthur?" he questioned.

"Go away Merlin."

"But..."

"Go... Away." Arthur hissed, still holding his sword out, and slowly moving it to Merlin's neck.

"No." Merlin refused, before feeling the cold steel tip of the blade on his flesh.

"Merlin, I'm warning you."

"I am not leaving. Alethea is worried sick. You just ran off... Left her. She had no idea what had happened to you. The knights are all out looking."

"I just need to be alone." He explained, his anger at being disturbed dissipating. He was such a mixture of emotions that even Arthur had no idea what he was doing.

"Arthur, please..."

"No Merlin."

"Listen, I understand why you're doing this. I know what day it is, but you don't need to push us away." Arthur was silent, but he still didn't move the blade. Merlin instead let his eyes flash gold, and Arthur was clutching a burnt hand with his sword clattering to the floor.

"Ow! What was that for?"

"To get you to come to your senses. Come on Arthur, I understand how you are feeling..."

"You don't have the slightest idea." He sighed as he sat back down by the fire. Merlin sat down beside him.

"Well, perhaps, but Alethea needs you back at Camelot. I need you."

"But you are leaving me soon."

"What?" Merlin seemed taken aback.

"To marry Ingrid. You will, no doubt, go with her."

"Our friendship won't change."

"You won't be able to be my servant anymore." Arthur pointed out as he messed with one of the sticks in the fire.

"We won't move far away."

"You promise?"

"I swear it." Merlin said, meaning it. "Now, will you please come back to Camelot?" he asked a few moments later.

"Just... Give me an hour."

"Of course sire." Merlin turned to leave.

"Oh, and Merlin?"

"Yes?"

"Do me a favour and call off the search." The warlock nodded, before leaving the clearing.

It was more than an hour later when Arthur finally returned to Camelot. A halo moon shone in the dark clouded sky and the rays of light were reflected by the armour of the guards on night duty. Putting his horse in the stables, the young Pendragon then headed to his chambers. It had been a rather eventful day for him and he was feeling quite tired now. Everything was catching up with him and he was feeling rather guilty for shouting at Merlin and abandoning Alethea without any explanation like that. He would apologise to them both in the morning, for no doubt both were fast asleep by now.

Opening the door to his room, Arthur began to get ready for bed in the candlelight until he spotted his wife sitting in one of the chairs by the fire. She was fast asleep, as was Penny who was curled up with her, but Alethea's cheeks still showed signs of crying. He subconsciously stroked them and kissed her gently on the forehead before deciding not to disturb her. Taking one of the throws from the bed, he wrapped it around them both and tucked them in. Alethea really did look peaceful like that and he couldn't help but wonder what she was dreaming about. Hoping that it was something good and knowing that he was going to apologise in the morning, Arthur climbed into bed and was very quickly in the land of dreams.